Cupola charging apparatus



1951 v J. N. RICHARDSON 2,543,379

i CUPOLA cumcmc APPARATUS Filed Feb. 21; 1948 Y 3 Sheets-$heet J.

IN VEN TOR.

Feb. 27, 1951. g p'so 2,543,379

,CUPOLA CHARGING APPARATUS Filed'Feb. 21, 1948 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 3 ShetS-Sheet s J. N. RICHARDSON CUPOLA CHARGING APPARATUS Feb. 27, 1951 Filed Feb. 21, 1948 w w WW m h In M M Patented Feb. 27, 1951 CUPOLA CHARGING APPARATUS- John N. Richardson, Port Washington, Wis., as-

signor to Modern Equipment Company, Port Washington, Wis., a corporation of Wisconsin Application February 21, 1948, Serial N 0. 10,102

13 Claims. 1

This invention relates to improvements in cupola charging apparatus.

In foundries it is common practice where there is more than one cupola and where continuous production is desired, to charge one of the cupolas continuously for a period of time up to 24 hours. Then, this cupola is allowed to cool and is relined while one of the other cupolas is used for the next 24 hour period. Thus, ractically continuous foundry operation is possible.

Heretofore, attempts have been made to provide for the use of a single charging unit for charging a selected one of a plurality of cupolas. In these prior systems, however, a relatively large area has been necessary for this type of installation.

It is a general object of the present invention to provide improved cupola charging apparatus which requires substantially less total area for installation than has heretofore been found necessary.

A further object of the invention is to provide cupola charging apparatus which is so arranged that a single mono-rail carriage and charging bucket may be used to selectively charge a lurality of cupolas, the arrangement being of such compact nature that the entire installation can be under cover within the factory and occupy relatively small space.

A further object of the invention is to provide cupola charging apparatus wherein only one bucket loading station is required to serve a pin-- rality of cupolas.

A more specific object of the invention is to provide cupola charging apparatus wherein there is a mono-rail carriage for moving the charging bucket into and out of the cupola and wherein a portion of the mono-rail is mounted for pivotal, turntable-like movement in a horizontal plane to provide for selective alinement of the pivoted section with a fixed rail section leading to a selected cupola, there being means under the control of the operator for causing said pivotal movement.

A further object of the invention is to provide apparatus as above described, wherein the means for causing said pivotal movement of the pivoted rail section includes curved guiding tracks which coast with the carriage to swing the carriage and pivoted rail section to a selected position.

Other objects of the invention are to provide cupola charging apparatus wherein the amount of equipment required in the foundry is substantially reduced, there-by lowering the overall cost; to provide apparatus which may be adapted to the requirements of any foundry without making special parts for each job, thus making produc- Fig. 1 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the improved apparatus, parts being broken away and shown in section;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken approximately on the line 22 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken approximately on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view taken approximately on the line 4-4 of Fig. 3, parts being broken away and shown in section.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the numerals l0 and l I designate foundry vcupolas which are provided with side charging openings 52 and I 3 respectively. .Rail sections I4 and I5,

which are preferably I-beams with extra bottom flanges l5 as illustrated in Fig. 1, and which are capable of supporting a mono-rail carriage, are suitably supported in the position shown in Figs. v1 and 2 adjacent the cupolas. The rail ,sections l4 and extend in converging relationship outwardly. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated, there are two cupolas and two fixed rail sections i and i5 leadingthereto, However, the invention comprehends the use of more than two cupolas, each with a fixed rail section.

Spaced supporting beams l6 and H are suitably supported in the foundry structure and the beams 16 and H in turn support transverse members l8, preferably of channel form. Mounted above and below the channels I8 intermediate the length thereof, are bearing plates 19 through which a pivot bolt 20 extends. Pivotal on the axis of the bolt 30 is a swingable rail section 2| of I-beam form and having extra bottom flanges 2! from which a mono-rail carriage 22 is suspended for movement therealong. The mono-rail carriage carries a motor 23 .(see Fig. 1) and through suitabletransm-issionmechanism contained within the housings 24 and 25,, the motor drives wheels 26, one .on each side of the central web 21 of the rail 2|. These rollers rest on flanges 2.8 near the bottom of the Another motor 35, mounted on a depending rear plate 35 of the carriage drives-the spaced drums :w'l of a winch 38. Cables 39 which are windable on the drums 31, pass over front guiding sheaves 40 and connect with a charging bucket H. By means of the winch, the charging bucket may be lowered from the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2 to a bucket-loading station therebelow. In such station a suitable chargev for the cupola may be loaded into the bucket.

The pivot 26 for the swingable rail section 2| is so located intermediate the length of the swingabie rail section that the latter is swingable from the full line neutral position of Fig. 2 to the dot and dash line position B of Fig. 2 where an end is in registration with the rail section |5, or it is swingable to the dot and dash line position C where its end is in registration with the rail section M.

In order to suitably support the swingable rail section for swinging movement, a bracket 42 projects upwardly from a point near its forward end, and the upper portion of said bracket supports a roller 43 which rides in an arcuate channel 44. The latter may be suitably supported by framework in the foundry building. A bracket 45 also projects upwardly from the rear end of the rail section 2| and on the upper portion of said bracket a roller 45 is suitably mounted. The latter rides on the lower flange of an arcuate channel 46. The channel 46 may be suitably supported by framework in the foundry building.

Extending upwardly from a suitable base or foundation in the foundry are upright frame members 41 which support a horizontalbeam 48 (see Figs. 1 and 3). Projecting rearwardly from the beam 48 and otherwise suitably supported are spaced beams 49. Extending transversely between the spaced beams 49 in the manner shown in Figs. 3 and 4, are channels 50 which support a plate Curved guiding tracks or cams 52 and 53 which are in the form of upwardly facing channels, are suitably supported above the frame members 48 and 49 on legs 54, 55 and 56.

Projecting downwardly from the rear plate 38 of the carriage is a sleeve 51 (see Figs. 1 and 4), and projecting from the lower end of the sleeve is a stub axle 58 on the lower end of which a follower roll 59 is rotatable. The stub axle may be nonrotatably secured in the sleeve by means of a pin 68. The follower roll is normally received between the spaced side walls 5| of a switch 62, the latter being pivotal on a bolt 53 which projects upwardly from the plate 5|, there being a tubular boss 64 (see Fig. l) depending from the switch member 62 which is rotatable around the bolt 63. The switch member is in the form of an upwardly facing channel and has its forward end cut arcuately as at 65 (see Fig. 3) to match the curves 6% and 61 at the outer ends of the tracks 52 and 53 so that the switch may be readily swung from a position of matching registration with the guiding track 52 as in Fig. 3, to the opposite side in matching registration with the track 53.

Progecting from the boss 64 of the switch 62 is a rigid arm 88 to which is pivoted as at 69 one end of a rod 7B. The other end of the rod ll] is pivoted as at H to the end of an arm 12. The opposite end of the arm 12 is rigidly connected to a vertical rod 13 (see Fig. 1). The latter is suitably journalled for rocking movement and extends downwardly to a location convenient-to an operator standing on the floor below, as is indicated in Fig. 1. The lower end of the rod is rigidly connected to a lever arm 14 and the latter may be swung by means of a handle i5, there preferably being a slidable pin 16 in the handle which is selectively registrable with spaced holes 11 or 18 to lock the handle in one position or the other.

Operation In the operation of foundries where a continuous production is desired, more than one cupola must be maintained so that one cupola can be relined while the other is being charged.

Assuming that it is desired to charge the cupola while the cupola I2 is being cooled for relining, the bucket 4| is first lowered to the loading station and filled with a charge of iron, coke and limestone, in the customary manner. During such filling the swingable beam 2| and carriage 22 are in the full line intermediate position of Fig. 2. After the bucket has been raised to the position of Fig. 1, then the handle 15 is moved to a position where the plunger 16 engages the hole Ti (see Fig. 3). This will act through the vertical rod 13, arm 12, rod 10 and arm 68 to swing the switch 62 to the reverse position from that shown in Fig. 3; in other words, to a position of alinement with the guiding track 53.

The motor 23 for causing movement of the carriage 22 is then started. This acts through the wheels 26 to propel the carriage along the rail 2|. At the start of such movement the follower roller 59 is positioned in the switch member 62. However, with the carriage in motion the follower will move along the course set by the shape of the guiding track 53. This will cause a swinging movement of the carriage supporting rail 2| on the pivot 20 until the rail 2| alines with the stationary rail section |5 leading to the cupola H as is indicated in position B of Fig. 2. At least part of the carriage, therefore, will ultimately move onto the fixed rail section IS a sufiicient distance to project the bucket 4| into charging position within the opening |3 of the cupola The bucket may be of any desired type and equipped with any suitable means for dropping its load.

After the charge has been dropped into the cupola, the motor 23 of the carriage may be operated in a reverse direction to return the carriage to its starting position with the follower 59 back in the switch 62. If only one cupola is being charged at a time, there is no need to move the switch control handle 15. Whenever the carriage is back in its starting position with the follower 59 in the switch 62, then, regardless of the position of the switch 62, the rail 2! and carriage 22 will be in the intermediate full line position of Fig. 2. While in this position the bucket may again be lowered to the loading station. In certain foundries where there are a substantial number of cupolas it may be desired to operate two or more cupolas, such as the cupolas I0 and ll, simultaneously. In such case, the switch control handle is operated more or less regularly to direct the charge first into one cupola and then into another.

To cause movement of the bucket into the cupola IE! it is merely necessary to move the control handle 15 to a position where its plunger 16 registers with and enters the hole 18 as is indicated in Fig, 3. Then, upon operating the motor 23 of the carriage 22, the follower will travel in the guiding track 52 to cause swinging of the'swingable'beam 2| to the dot and dash line position C of Fig. 2, in alinement with the fixed rail section it leading to the cupola l0.

By having flexible electric cables extending downwardly from the carriage 22, the motor 23 for the carriage and the motor 35 for the winch may be controlled remotely from the fioor below.

It is apparent from the above that the improved construction provides either for simultaneous charging of two or more cupolas with the charge being directed first into one and then into another, or for charging of only one cupola at a time while the other cupola is being cooled and relined depending upon the requirements of a particular foundry.

'It is also apparent from the above that the selective charging apparatus is relatively simple in construction and operation and requires a minimum of space in the factory. It is also apparent that the arrangement permits using the same loading station for either cupola.

Various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, and all of such changes are contemplated as may come within the scope of the claims.

What I claim is:

1. In an apparatus for selectively charging a cupola, a rail section'pivotally mounted intermediate its length for swingable movement in a horizontal plane, a carriage normally supported by said rail section for travel therealong, a charging bucket supported by said carriage, a rail section leading to said cupola, the pivotal mounting of said swingable rail section being so located that said rail section is swingable from a neutral position to a position wherein an end thereof is in alinement with an end of the rail section leading to the cupola. to provide for movement of the carriage onto said rail section to carry the bucket to the cupola, and cam means for causing said swingable movement of said swingable rail section in response to movement of said carriage.

2. In an apparatus for selectively charging a plurality of cupolas, a rail section pivotally mounted intermediate its length for swingable movement in a horizontal plane, a carriage normally supported by said rail section for travel therealong, a charging bucket supported by said carriage, a rail section leading to each cupola, the pivotal mounting of said swingable rail section being so located that an end of said swingable rail section is alineable with an end of a selected one of said rail sections leading to the cupolas to provide for movement of the carriage onto the selected rail section to carry the bucket to the selected cupola, cam means for selectively causing a predetermined swingable movement of said swingable rail section in response to movement of the carriage, and a remote control for said selective cam means.

3.-In an apparatus for selectively charging a plurality of cupolas, a rail section pivotally mounted intermediate its length for swingable 6 movement in a horizontal plane, a plurality of cupolas at circumferentially spaced points around the pivot for said rail section, said cupolas having side openings facing said pivot, a carriage normally supported by said rail section for travel therealong, a charging bucket supported by said carriage, and selective cam means for causing a predetermined swingable movement of said swingable rail section in response to movement of said carriage to provide for movement of the carriage toward the opening of a selected cupola.

4. In an apparatus for selectively charging a plurality of cupolas, a rail section pivotally mounted intermediate its length for swingable movement in a horizontal plane, a plurality of cupolas at circumferentially spaced points around the pivot for said rail section, said cupolas having side openings facing said pivot, a carriage normally supported by said rail section for travel therealong, a charging bucket supported by said carriage, and selective means for causing a predetermined swingable movement of said swingable rail section to provide for movement of the carriage toward the opening of a selected cupola, said selective means including curved guiding tracks, one for each cupola, and including a follower on said carriage cooperable with one of said tracks.

5. In an apparatus for selectively charging a plurality of cupolas, a rail section pivotally mounted intermediate its length for swingable movement in a horizontal plane, a carriage normally supported by said rail section for travel therealong, a charging bucket supported by said carriage, a plurality of cupolas arranged in circumferentially spaced relationship around the pivot for said swingable rail section and having side openings facing said pivot, a fixed rail section leading to each cupola, said fixed rail sections extending radially relative to the pivot for said swingable rail section, and selective cam means for causing a predetermined swingable movement of said swingable rail section in response to movement of said carriage to aline its end with the end of a selected one of the fixed rail sections.

6. In an apparatus for selectively charging a plurality of cupolas, a rail section pivotally mounted intermediate its length for swingable movement in a horizontal plane, a plurality of cupolas at circumferentially spaced points around the pivot for said rail section, said cupolas having side openings facing said pivot, a carriage normally supported by said rail section for travel therealong, a charging bucket supported by said carriage, and selective means for causing a predetermined swingable movement of said swingable rail section to provide for movement of the carriage toward the opening of a selected cupola, said selective means including curved guiding tracks, one for each cupola, and including a follower on said carriage cooperable with one of said tracks, and a switch cooperable with said follower and swingable to a position of alinement with a selected one of said curved guiding tracks.

7. In an apparatus for selectively charging a plurality of cupolas, a rail section pivotally mounted intermediate its length for swingable movement in a horizontal plane, a plurality of cupolas at circumferentially spaced points around the pivot for said rail section, said cupolas having side openings facing said pivot, a carriage normally supported by said rail section for travel therealong, a charging bucket supported by said carriage, and selective means for causing a predetermined swingable movement of said swing-' able rail section to provide for movement of the carriage toward the opening of a selected cupola, said selective means including curved guiding tracks, one for each cupola, and including a follower on said carriage cooperable with one of said tracks, a switch cooperable with said follower and swingable to a position of alinement with a selected one of said curved guiding tracks, and means operable from a remote point for moving said switch.

8. In an apparatus for selectively charging a plurality of cupolas, a rail section pivotally mounted intermediate its length for swingable movement in a horizontal plan, a self-propelled carriage normally supported by said rail section for travel there along, a charging bucket supported by said carriage, and a rail section leading to each cupola, the pivotal mounting of said swingable rail section being so located that an end of said swingable rail section is alignable with an end of a selected one of the rail sections leading to the cupolas, a guiding track for each cupola, follower means connected to said carriage and cooperable with a selected guiding track to cause swinging movement of the carriage and its swingable rail on the rail pivot in response to movement of the carriage to bring said swingable rail into registration with a predetermined one of the rail sections leading to the cupolas, and switch mechanism for initially directing said follower into a selected guiding track.

9. In an apparatus for selectively charging a plurality of cupolas, a rail section pivotally mounted intermediate its length for swingable movement in a horizontal plane, a self-propelled carriage normally supported by said rail section for travel there along, a charging bucket supported by said carriage, and a rail section leading to each cupola, the pivotal mounting of said swingable rail section being so located that an end of said swingable rail section is alignable with an end of a selected one of the rail sections leading to the cupolas, a guiding track for each cupola, follower means connected to said carriage and cooperable with a selected guiding track to cause swinging movement of the carriage and its swingable rail on the rail pivot in response to movement of the carriage to bring said swingable rail into registration with a predetermined one of the rail sections leading to the cupolas, and switch mechanism including a pivotally mounted guiding track section for initially directing said follower into a selected guiding track.

10. In an apparatus for selectively charging a plurality of cupolas, a rail section pivotally mounted intermediate its length for swingable movement in a horizontal plane, a self-propelled carriage normally supported by said rail section for travel there along, a charging bucket supported by said carriage, and a rail section leading to each cupola, the pivotal mounting of said swingable rail section being so located that an end of said swingable rail section is alignable with an end of a selected one of the rail sections leading to the cupolas, a curved guiding track for each cupola, follower means connected to said carriage and cooperable with a selected guiding track to cause swinging movement of the car-- riage and its swingable rail on the rail pivot in response to movement of the carriage to bring said swingable rail into registration with a predetermined one of the rail sections leading to the cupolas, and switch mechanism for initially directing said follower into a selected guiding track.

11. In an apparatus for selectively charging a plurality of cupolas, a rail section pivotally mounted intermediate its length for swingable movement in a horizontal plane, a carriage normally supported by said rail section for travel there along, a charging bucket supported by said carriage for raising and lowering movement, a rail section leading to each cupola, the pivotal mounting of said swingable rail section being so located that an end of said swingable rail section is movable from a neutral position to a position of alignment with an end of a selected one of the rail sections leading to the cupolas to provide for movement of the carriage onto a selected one of said last mentioned rail sections to convey the bucket tothe selected cupola, and cam means cooperable with said carriage for causing predetermined swinging movement of said swingable rail section in response to movement of said carriage, said cam means being so shaped that the swingable rail section is held in neutral position when the center of the bucket is in substantial alignment with the pivot for said swingable rail section.

12. In an apparatus for selectively charging a plurality of cupolas, a rail section pivotally mounted intermediate its length for swingable movement in a horizontal plane, a plurality of cupolas atcircumferentially spaced points around the pivot for said rail section, said cupolas having charging openings, a carriage normally supported by said rail section for travel therealong, a charging bucket supported by said carriage, and selective mean for causing a predetermined swingable movement of said swingable rail section to provide for movement of the carriage toward the opening of a selected cupola, said selective means including guiding tracks, one for each cupola, and including a follower on said carriage cooperable with one of said tracks.

13. In an apparatus for selectively charging a plurality of cupolas, a rail section pivotally mounted intermediate its length for swingable movement in a horizontal plane, a plurality of cupolas at circumferentially spaced points around the pivot for said rail section, said cupolas having charging openings, a carriage normally supported by said rail section for travel therealong, a charging bucket supported by said carriage, and

selective means for causing a predetermined swingable movement of said swingable rail section to provide for movement of the carriage toward the opening of a selected cupola, said 58- lective means including guiding tracks, one for each cupola, and including a follower on said carriage cooperable with one of said tracks, and a switch cooperable with said follower and swingable to a position of alinement with a selected one of said guidin tracks.

JOHN N. RICHARDSON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Re. 11,164 Kennedy May 5, 1891 298,276 Blickensderfer May 6, 1884 310,695 Mallasee Jan. 13, 1885 484,870 Babbitt Oct. 25, 1892 595,314 Konz Dec. 14, 1897 981,273 Jacobs Jan. 10, 1911 1,768,542 Clausing July 1, 1930 

